For the first time, one “American Idol” replaces another at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart as Adam Lambert’s “Trespassing” debuts atop the list with 77,000 sold according to Nielsen SoundScan. His arrival bumps last week’s leader, Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away,” down to No. 3 (54,000; down 55%). It’s Lambert’s first No. 1 album and is his second major label studio set. It follows 2009′s “For Your Entertainment,” which debuted and peaked at No. 3 with 198,000 sold in its first week. It was blocked from No. 1 by Susan Boyle’s “I Dreamed a Dream” (a debut at No. 1 with 701,000) and Andrea Bocelli’s “My Christmas” at No. 2 (218,000) … Lambert is the seventh “American Idol” finalist to reach No. 1, following Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Underwood, Chris Daughtry (of Daughtry) and Scotty McCreery. Further, as an “Idol” finalist rules the chart for the third straight week, it’s the longest that “Idol” has monopolized the No. 1 slot. We’ve had two-week runs atop the list, but always from a singular album — like Underwood the past two weeks with “Blown Away.”

Yes, yes, all of that is well and good and really fantastic but here is what is even more significant about Adam Lambert‘s #1 album:

Not only does this confirm that Adam is no American Idol flash-in-the-pan, but he’s made music history: He’s become the first out male artist to have a #1 album. Other gay performers such as Elton John and George Michael have hit #1, but only before they came out, and they haven’t managed that honor since. It’s been a long road to #1, but thanks to a loyal fan base, a stellar album, and Adam’s enthusiastic promotion, he’s now in a class by himself. Congrats!

Honestly, I’m quite surprised that it’s taken this long for an out gay performer to reach the #1 spot on the BillboardTop 200. But, this is a very significant achievement, one that Adam will be able to enjoy forever. He is the first out performer to hit #1, no one else will ever take that distinction from him. Sometime in the (hopeful) near future, we won’t even have to take notice of gay artist achievements on the album charts because our culture will evolve beyond caring … but until that day, we should happily celebrate each significant achievement like this one. Congrats Adam!